Bali province initiates efforts to disseminate information on the newly imposed foreign tourist levy to Indonesian embassies worldwide, effective February 14, 2024.
The government of Bali province took proactive steps to garner international support for the implementation of a tourist levy targeting foreign visitors. In a letter addressed to Indonesian embassies across the globe, signed by Bali’s governor, the province sought assistance in disseminating information regarding the newly imposed levy, set at IDR150 thousand per foreign tourist entering Bali, commencing on February 14, 2024.
Cokorda Bagus Pemayun, head of the Tourism Office of Bali, revealed that alongside dispatching official correspondence to Indonesian embassies worldwide, the government conducted virtual meetings with embassy officials to discuss the policy’s intricacies. This proactive approach aimed to ensure that foreign nationals receive clear and comprehensive information regarding the levy, marking a pioneering step in Indonesia’s tourism sector.
During the trial period from February 7 to 13, the levy yielded promising results, with IDR2.2 billion collected from 14,131 payments. Pemayun emphasised the ongoing evaluation of the policy to enhance operational efficiency, particularly concerning the scanning of barcode-based payment receipts at international arrival terminals, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The implementation of the tourist levy underscores Bali’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and economic resilience. Payment for the levy can be conveniently facilitated through the Love Bali system, accessible via the lovebali.baliprov.go.id webpage or the Love Bali application, streamlining the payment process for visitors.
While the levy applies to most foreign tourists entering Bali, exemptions are extended to seven categories, including individuals holding diplomatic and official visas, transportation vehicle crew members, and holders of various temporary or permanent stay permits. This inclusive approach ensures that certain groups are not unduly burdened by the levy, promoting equitable tourism practices in Bali.
Source: Antara News
